A new description of Paris containing a particular account of all the churches, palaces, monasteries ... with all other remarkable matters in that great and famous city / translated out of French.

The Palais Brion.

People give it that name because the Duke of Amville Earl of Brion, for some time made his abode here. This Building is part of the Palais Royal, and was begun by the Cardinal of Riche∣lieu, who designed it for his Library. But some years since the King hath given it to two Acade∣mies, that of Painting, and that of Architecture. The first of these was established by M. des Noyers, under the direction of M. de Chambray Brother of M. de Chant-Loup, from whose pen we have several excellent pieces in print, among others, The Parallel of the Ancient and Modern Archi∣tecture, Palladio translated into French, &c. This Academy was re established by Monsieur the Chancelier Seguier, after whose death that beautiful Catafalque at the Fathers of the O∣ratory, was erected to his Memory as to their Protector. Monsieur Colbert succeeded him in this Charge and in the affection he bore them. Every day here is exposed a naked man, which is the Model by which the young Scholars design, in order to attain from Nature her self the great

Art of Painting, an Art that requires a most assi∣duous Study. The great Hall where they meet is full of abundance of Pictures done by the most able Masters in the Academy, and of all those pie∣ces that have been won for Prizes, which are here distributed to raise emulation among the young Artists▪, and of the Master-pieces of those who have desired to be admitted into the Academy. The Representations and Busts of several persons who have contributed to the establishment of this Academy are here also preserved. And in regard Painting is not the only thing here exercised but Sculpture also, they have got hither from Rome the models in Plaister of the most famous Statues of Antiquity, as that of Flora, of Hercules in the Palace of Farneze, of Venus, of the two Wrest∣lers, and of several others. Here are also several Bass-reliefs, and Sculptures better than ordinary. The names of those who are the present Members of this Academy are

Monsieur le Brun, Escuyer, principal Painter to the King, Chancellor and chief Rector of the Academy.

Rectors.

• M. Anguier, Painter.
• M. Girardon, Sculptor.

Adjuncts to the Rectors.

• M. de Séve, the Elder, P.
• M. des Jardins, S.

Counsellors, Professors.

• M. Beaubrun, P. Professor and Treasurer.
• M. Buister, S.
• M. Mauperché, P.
• M. Buiret, S.
• M. Coyel, P.

Professors.

• M. Regnaudin, S.
• M. Paillet, P.
• M. de Séve, P.
• M. Blanchard, P.
• M. de la Fosse, P.
• M. le Hongre, S.
• M. Coyzevaux, S.
• M. Hoüasse, P.
• M. Tuby, S.
• M. Audran, P.
• M. Jouvenet, P.
• M. Montaigne, P.

Adjuncts to the Professors.

• M. Corneille the Elder, P.
• M. Rabon. S.
• M. Monier, P.
• M. Massou, S.
• M. Verdier, P.
• M. Licherye, P.
• M. de Mameur, P.

Professors in Geometry, Perspective, and Anatomy.

• M. Leclerc, Engraver, Professor in Geometry, and Perspective.
• M. Friquet, P. Professor▪ in Anatomy.

Counsellors.

• M. Rousselet, Graver.
• M. Yvart, P.
• M. Tortebat. P.
• M. Rabon, P.
• M. Silvestre, G.
• M. Edelinck, G.
• M. Baptiste Monoyé, P.
• M. Herault, P.
• M. Vandermeulin, P.
• M. Audran, G.
• M. Guerin. Secretary.
• M. de S. Georges, Historiogapher.
• M. Joblo, Assistant to the Professor in Geo∣metry.
• M. le Maire, P.
• M. Vleugels, P.
• M. Valet, G.
• M. Picard, G.
• M. Huilliot, P.
• M. Genoelle, P.
• M. Legros, S.
• M. Mainer, S.
• M. Vignon, P.
• M. Mazeline, S.
• M. Hallier, P.
• M. Garnier, P.
• M. Bourguignon, P.
• M. Mignard, P.
• ...

• M. Lalemant, P.
• M. Cotelle, P.
• M. Armand, P.
• M. Baudet, G.
• M. Nocret, P.
• M. de Trois, P.
• M. Corneille, P.
• M. Bonnemer, P.
• M. Facus, P.
• M. Tiger, P.
• M. Lambert, P.
• M. le Comte, S.
• M. de Fredemontagne, P.
• M. Lespingola, S.
• M. Natiè, P.
• M. Cheron, P.
• M. Parossel, S.
• M. de la Mare Richard, P.
• M. Boulogne, P.
• M. Allegrein, P.
• M. Loir, G.
• M. Masson, G.
• M. Manier, S.
• M. Flamand, S.
• M. Vancleve, S.
• M. Vanbecq. P.
• M. Rabon, P.
• M. Beville, P.
• M. Cornu, S.
• M. Boulongue, the younger, P.
• M. le Blon, P.
• M. Toutin, P.
• M. Coypel, P.
• M. Benoist, P.
• M. Arnoul, P.
• M. Giffard, G.
• ...

• M. Person, P.
• M. Alexandre, P.
• M. Prou, S.
• M. Carrè, P.
• M. Hallè, P.
• M. Lemoine, P. Decorator.

In a lower Gallery they keep a many Busts and ancient Statues which the King hath sent for out of Italy. There is a very considerable number of them which are placed in Ranks one degree higher than another as in an Amphitheater; in which place there stands also a Model in Plaister of that beautiful Pillar which the Roman Senate Consecrated to the Memory of the Emperor Tra∣jan, which is the best Monument that remains of the ancient Grandeur of Rome: by this we may see the Perfection to which the Ancients had brought the Art of designing. The King caused this Model to be made at a very great expence: It hath cost near two hundred thousand Franks. Francis I. had made the same thing with a design to have raised such another Pillar at Fontainebleau; but Death preventing▪ the Stones ••ay by neglect∣ed, and were after made use of to build a stable. M. Felibien hath the care and oversight of these things, to place them in their proper stations. No man understands these matters better than himself, as appears sufficiently by his Works. We shall say in its proper place how much the Learn∣ed are obliged to him for those Books with which he has enrich'd the Publick, as his Dictionary of the Arts; his lives of the Painter, which he has published in four Volumes, perfectly well writ, besides which we have hardly any thing on that Subject in our Language: with several other pieces on divers subjects of Archi tecture and Painting.

The other Academy established in this Palais Brion is that of Architecture, which takes up all the Apartments at the further end of the Court. This Academy the King erected in the year 1672. and placed it under the Authority of the Super∣intendant of the Buildings, of which the illustri∣ous Monsieur Blondel is the Director. Who had the honour to teach the Mathematicks to the Dauphin, of whom we shall speak more at large when we come to treat of his Cabinet. It is he also who makes the publick Lectures of Archi∣tecture in this place. The Hall where the Mem∣bers of this Academy assemble is adorned with curious designs, and one may easily distinguish from the rest, the Model which the Chevalier Bernin made of the Louvre when the King sent for him from Rome on this account.

In the middle of the Court is placed a Horse of Brass a little bigger than the life. This the King caused to be brought from Nancy. It stands upon a Pedestal, and remains here till it be re∣moved to some place where it may be more ex∣posed to publick View.

When you go from hence you ought to visit the House of Monsieur de la Fosse, who dwells cross the way: here you may see several Pieces of Painting in his way, much esteemed.

Observe as you go that the Rüe de Richelieu for the length, and for the beauty of the Houses, which are all built in a strait Line, is one of the most beautiful and regular Streets of Paris. It takes its name from the great Cardinal de Riche∣lieu, who during his Ministry, caused it to be considerably enlarged, and the Gate to be made at the end which leads out of Town on the side next Montmartre. In the same Street these

Verses of M. de Santeüil, are engraved on a Fountain.

Qui quondam tenuit Magnum Moder amen a qua∣rum, Richelius, Fonti plauderet ipse novo, 1674.

The Sea did once submit to Richlieu's will, This Fountain's part o'th' mighty Em∣pire still. 1674.

As you go forward you come to the house of M. Mignard, who has by him many Curiosities. From thence you go to

The Hôtel de Jarz, so called from a Com∣mander of Malta, who bought the Ground of the Abbot of St. Victor, and built it. It is one of the best Works of Monsieur Mansard for de∣sign.

The Gate is a curious piece, and the Stair-case is very light, and consequently pleasant: The Apartments are large and high. But to say the Truth, they are not so convenient as beautiful. On the Garden side are contrived two small Ca∣binets (or Closets) supported with Pillars with much Art and Industry, but they are two small for the bigness of the Pillars which support them.

Adjoyning to this is the Hôtel de Louvois: there are many things to be taken notice of in this house, but more especially the Stair-case, and the Room of Audience. As for the Apartments they are contrived to the best advantage, and no man can desire better Furniture than is seen here.

Rich Tapistry, Branches for Candles, Tables, Looking-glasses of Silver, Embroidered Beds, and in fine, all that can contribute to magnificence and neatness, may be here seen, every thing in its proper place. The face of the Building on the Garden side, and that next the Court correspond and are both of a curious Symetry. You must not neglect to observe as you pass, the Locks on the doors, which are very finely wrought, and kept with such care that they shew like Silver.

Over against this Hôtel is a long Gallery, in which was formerly kept the Library of Cardinal Mazarine, at present in the College of the four Nations. The Stable was underneath. The Duke of Nevers uses the Chambers that are at the end, where you may see some Ceiling pieces well Painted. Of late this Gallery hath been broken through, to make room for a new street that runs cross from the Rüe Vivien to the Rüe de Richelieu, to which they have given the name of Monsieur Colbert.

At the further end of the Rüe de Richelieu you come into the Street of S. Augustin, so called from the Religious men of that Saints Order, other∣wise called les petits Peres (the little Fathers) whose house stands at the end and takes up part of this Street.

In this Street are many very fair houses. About three or four years since the Sieur Douilly Receiver of the Generalty of Poitiers, built one over against the Nuns of S. Thomas, on which he hath laid out one hundred thousand Crowns: there is nothing wanting but a little more Room, but it was impossi∣ble to have allotted more to the Work, it being shut up between the Petits-peres, and the R••e Vivien. Otherwise all is handsom. The Stair-case

is very light and large, and the Gate contri∣ved after the manner of a Vault is very well pro∣portioned; I say nothing of the Moveables, for one may well conclude that a house which appears so well without, wants for no Furniture, and that the beauty within is equal to that on the out∣side.

In the same Street stands the Hôtel de Gra∣mont. This House hath for a long time been justly esteemed one of the fairest of Paris. It did once belong to the Sieur Monerot, who spa∣red no Cost to make it Glorious. And it still preserves its Beauty, for its Furniture is most magnificent, since it came to the Duke of Gramont. It looks towards Montmartre which renders its situation extreme pleasant.

Near this is the Hôtel de Grantè, not all out so magnificent, but very commodious and plea∣sant, because of its Garden which is one of the neatest of Paris, the abode of the Mareschal of that name. This Hôtel did once belong to the Sieur Thevenin, who was a very curious per∣son.

Not far from hence is the House of St. Cotte-Blanche. Here was formerly a very good Libra∣ry: and it was once adorned with very good Fur∣niture and curious Pictures, but its Master having changed his Fortune, all these things are now dispersed.

The House of M. Fremont, and several others that look upon the Fields, are not unpleasant.

The House of M. de Bois-Franc, Intendant of the Duke of Orleans, which is on the other side of the Street, is one of the most finished things that can be seen. The face of the Building next the Court is extreme regular, set off with a kind

of Portico whose Pillars are of the Ionick Order, with Vases on the top done about with Festons and other Ornaments, all which give you a plea∣sing object as you enter. Round about the Court are Busts of Emperors placed between the Arches that support the Building. The Stair-case is very spacious, with a Balustrade of Wood painted like white Marble, and wrought with a great deal of design. The Bas-reliefs on the Doors of the se∣veral Apartments, tho they be but of Plaister, are notwithstanding very Ornamental. There is also in this House a Cabinet (or Closet) of very choice Books. As you go out you ought to ob∣serve the great Gate which is extremely well con∣trived on a very odd sort of a Foundation.